Everything You Need to Know About AbleTo Coaching

When you think about coaching, you might picture someone on the sidelines instructing players during a game. Or maybe a life coach offering guidance and support. In either case, a coach’s role is to help people succeed.

Behavioral health coaching is similar, in that it’s goal oriented. However, the focus is on helping people improve their mental wellness. Working with a coach can be a great way to build the self-awareness and skills needed to do this.

Curious if coaching is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about coaching at AbleTo. And, how to get the most out of it.

What is behavioral health coaching?

Behavioral health coaching is a form of support that can help people with mild to moderate feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression that aren’t completely overwhelming their daily life. It helps people define their mental wellness goals and teaches them the skills they need to overcome challenges.

The AbleTo coaching program is grounded in principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of psychotherapy designed to help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and actions so you can change the unhelpful ones.¹

“People are seeking new ways to achieve their mental wellness goals,” says board-certified coachC henel Mann. “Coaching can be a valuable tool for learning new skills and strategies that can help.”

How is behavioral health coaching different from therapy?

Therapy and coaching can both drive personal growth. But there are important differences. A therapist diagnoses and treats mental health disorders. Therapy focuses on addressing deep psychological and emotional challenges. It’s ideal for people navigating major life events or severe and prolonged stress, anxiety, and/or depression that is negatively affecting their daily lives.

Coaching isn’t meant to diagnose or treat mental health disorders. Instead, it teaches people how to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors so they can improve their mental well-being.

Some people use behavioral coaching alongside therapy. Others work solely with a coach. Either way, coaching can help you take action in parts of your life where you might feel “stuck.” “Coaches focus on helping you stay motivated so you can make the changes you need to thrive in different areas of your life,” says Mann.

Coaches also aren’t licensed providers. Instead, all AbleTo coaches must either be certified as a health and wellness coach by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches or the International Coaching Federation or have a master’s degree in a behavior health-related field. For example, clinical psychology or counseling. AbleTo coaches must also complete rigorous and specialized training grounded in CBT.

How does AbleTo behavioral health coaching work?

AbleTo coaching takes an action-oriented approach to helping you clear mental wellness hurdles with confidence. It combines the power of digital, CBT-based curriculum with weekly 1:1 support from a behavioral coach.

Each week, your coach will tailor your session to meet your needs. Together, you’ll review or reinforce skills from the digital curriculum. You’ll also explore your progress and address any barriers so you can keep moving toward your goals.

Want even more practice? You also have 24/7 access to self-care tools and activities in the AbleTo app.

What are the benefits of behavioral coaching?

Life is full of obstacles. And they can be hard to manage on your own. The great thing about behavioral coaching is that it can help support you through a wide range of challenges. These challenges include:

• Stress
• Burnout
• Relationship problems
• Work issues
• Mild anxiety
• Mild depression
• Life transitions
• Loneliness
• Grief

Not sure what your needs are? Your coach can help you define your goals. Then, together, you’ll work through how best to achieve them. If new problems come up, your coach can help you tweak your skillset to overcome them.

How long is the AbleTo behavioral health coaching program?

AbleTo coaching is grounded in principles of CBT. And research shows CBT can provide lasting change within 8 weeks.² Time-bound programs like this can help keep mental wellness support more affordable.

That said, if you need more time, you may be able to extend your program to 12 weeks.

What happens after I finish the coaching program? What if I need more support?

Our goal is to help you learn the skills you need within your first program. But if you could benefit from additional coaching, your benefits plan may be able to extend your program.

How can I know if behavioral health coaching is right for me?

If you’re dealing with mild to moderate feelings of stress, anxiety or depression, behavioral coaching could be a good fit for you.

But it’s important to keep in mind that coaching isn’t a substitute for therapy. In some cases, it can be helpful to take part in therapy along with coaching. Or you could use coaching to keep learning new skills after you complete therapy.

AbleTo coaching, specifically, might be right for you if you’re looking for a convenient and affordable digital program.

How much does AbleTo behavioral health coaching cost?

AbleTo is a benefit offered through employers and health plans. There may be co-pays, depending on your coverage. However, most AbleTo coaching members pay no out-of-pocket costs. Contact your benefit provider for more information.

What to expect from AbleTo behavioral health coaching

Every coaching relationship is unique. But there are a few things about coaching that are true across the board.

You might feel overwhelmed at first — and that’s OK

It can be difficult to think about all the changes you want to make in your life. Remember: Your coach is there to guide you through the process. Over time, you’ll learn the tools you need to work toward your goals. And, you’ll have all the support you need along the way.

Coaching isn’t over when the session ends

During a coaching session, you’ll learn valuable techniques for changing your behavior. But your daily life is the place you’ll practice these new skills. “We encourage participants to pursue their goals using the skills they learned in sessions,” says Mann.

You’ll grow. But growth takes time.

AbleTo coaching is based on evidence-informed principles that have been shown to help people change their behaviors. But long-lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself time (and plenty of grace) to try out the new skills you’re learning. If you hit a roadblock, your coach will be there to help you. Even if that means trying out a new approach.

How to get the most out of behavioral health coaching

Coaches are specially trained to help you change your behavior so you can work toward your goals. But you’ll also need to do your part to succeed.

Be open to the process

An open mindset is one of your best assets in coaching. “Coaches have so much to offer when it comes to helping you overcome whatever’s in the way of your personal growth,” says Mann. “It’s helpful if you go in with an open mindset and willingness to connect.”

Be honest with yourself and your coach

Honesty is the best policy in coaching. While being open to try new things is important, some approaches may not work for you. And that’s OK. Tell your coach if don’t understand or a certain technique, suggests Mann. That way, your coach can better help you grow in a way that makes sense for you.

If you need more help, ask

Coaching is designed to support you in learning behaviors that help you make progress toward your goals. It’s hard to be vulnerable, but it’s important to be up front if you need more support.

In addition to coaching, AbleTo also offers therapy services. They may be available to you through your benefits plan.

Practice, practice, practice

Your session is just the first step. Your real life is where you’ll actually practice the skills your coach teaches you. “It’s important to practice your new skills between sessions,” says Mann. “It will help you continue to apply them through any ups and downs,” says Mann.

Taking the next step

We get it: If you’re feeling stuck, asking for help can feel vulnerable. And thinking about having to make changes can feel daunting.

 

But you won’t know if coaching can help you unless you give it a try. “You might be surprised by how much you can grow,” says Mann. “Even after just 1 or 2 sessions.”